The Pennsylvania Psychological Association is pleased to welcome back the Doctoral Summit. This event offers doctoral training directors an opportunity to connect and discuss key issues affecting students and training programs. Three continuing education credits can be obtained if you participate in the whole event.
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 9:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Please RSVP to Erin Brady (erin@papsy.org) by Friday, October 23, 2026 to be registered for this event! If the training director is unable to attend, a faculty member may participate in their place. Please include the substitute attendee’s name in your RSVP so we can add them to the event.
Agenda
9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome & Introductions
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Legislative and Regulatory Updates for Doctoral Trainee Programs
Presenters: Rachael Baturin, MPH, JD; Molly Cowan, PsyD
1 CE Credit
This workshop will provide participants with an overview of federal and state legislative developments and regulatory changes affecting doctoral programs and students. Topics will include accreditation, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), psychological associate licensure, master’s-level licensure, and prescriptive authority. The workshop will emphasize active participant engagement and discussion.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the federal, state and regulatory changes that affect doctoral programs and doctoral students
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
How PPA Can Support Your Doctoral Programs
Presenters: Rachael Baturin, MPH JD; Molly Cowan, PsyD
1 CE Credit
This workshop will explore collaboration among the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA), doctoral programs, and students. Participants will discuss how PPA can support programs through regulatory updates, advocacy, educational resources, professional development, and practitioner connections. The session will also examine how doctoral programs can strengthen PPA by sharing expertise, identifying emerging needs, supporting advocacy and committee work, and encouraging student involvement. Participants will identify practical opportunities for ongoing communication, mentorship, resource sharing, and joint programming to advance doctoral education and the psychology profession in Pennsylvania. This workshop will be highly participatory.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the ways that PPA and the doctoral programs can work together to strengthen the training of psychology students and the practice of psychology
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Practical Considerations for Managing Doctoral Programs
Presenters: Rachael Baturin, MPH, JD; Molly Cowan, PsyD
1 CE Credit
This workshop will address common challenges that doctoral programs encounter in supporting students and managing their doctoral program. Topics will include strategies for assisting students who experience difficulties with internship supervisors, responding appropriately when students are not meeting academic expectations, and helping program directors navigate challenging interactions with faculty or staff. Participants will consider practical approaches that promote clear communication, effective problem-solving, appropriate documentation, and consistent application of program policies while supporting student development and maintaining professional standards. This workshop will be highly participatory.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain common challenges that doctoral programs encounter in supporting students and managing their doctoral program